5 Reasons to Switch to Grass Fed Butter

 Butter is a solid dairy product extracted from cow's milk. It is milk fat obtained by churning it to separate butterfat from the milk. With a fat content of around 80%, it graces the breakfast tables as a spread on toast, bread and crackers. Its creamy texture and rich flavour make it a versatile ingredient in many dishes. As a high-calorie gem, it is a good breakfast addition.

The feed contents of dairy animals influence milk quality, particularly its fat content, protein levels, minerals, and vitamins. The cows at commercial farms are fed grain-based concentrates as a dense source of protein, carbohydrates, fats and minerals to increase milk production.

The demand for grass-fed dairy products, including milk and meat, has been rising in recent years. The grass-fed dairy products are obtained from cattle-fed forage and pasture grasses as the primary nutritional source. The main arguments by proponents to justify the use of these products are better nutritional profile, better care of animal welfare, environmental sustainability, ethical considerations and personal preferences for taste.

Making the switch: Grass-Fed Butter vs. Conventional Butter 

For a nature lover, shifting to grass-fed dairy butter seems reasonable, irrespective of the proponents' claims. Still, science has its convincing power. How much do these arguments weigh in the light of science? The claimed benefits of using grass-fed butter and their scientific backing are:

Improved Nutritional Composition 

Traditional and grass-fed butter are rich sources of calories, fats and vitamins, particularly vitamin A. According to the US Department of Agriculture, one tablespoon (14g) serving of grass-fed butter has the following nutrients;

The omega-3 fatty acids are mainly concerned with the heart and overall health and have anti-inflammatory properties. According to D.F. Hebeisen (University of Bern, Switzerland), grass-fed butter, on average, has 26% more omega-3 fatty acids than regular butter. 

Likewise, another analysis by Professor T.R. Thiman and colleagues at the University of Wisconsin, USA, observed that the Grass-Fed butter has 500% more conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) than traditional butter. This fatty acid is linked to several health benefits, e.g., weight maintenance, growth and maintenance of muscles, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, blood glucose regulation, bone health, immune support and cancer prevention.

High beta carotene content

Butter is a rich source of beta carotene, a compound converted into vitamin A inside the body. According to Cynthia A. Daley and colleagues (College of Agriculture, California State University, USA), grass-fed beef and butter have more than twice beta-carotene than regular butter. 

Beta carotene is a potent antioxidant and protects the cells from damaging free radicals. There is a plethora of research that shows that a higher intake of beta carotene is associated with a lower risk of various chronic illnesses, e.g., certain cancers, type 2 diabetes and age-related macular degeneration. Most of these studies are related to using beta carotene-rich carotene-rich fruits and Vegetables, not butter.

Amplifying Vitamin A Intake

Vitamin A is an essential fat-soluble vitamin. The body cannot synthesise it and needs it from an exogenous source. All types of butter are a rich source of vitamin A, and according to USDA, a tablespoon (14g) serving of grass-fed butter provides a 10% daily reference value (DV) of vitamin A compared to 8% of unsalted traditional butter.  

Vitamin A is essential for several body functions like immunity, reproduction, cell growth and differentiation, foetal development, bone health and vision. It has a role in growth and development, as well as maintaining teeth, skin, and bones, and it has antioxidant activity.

Opting for Healthier, Unsaturated Fats

Unsaturated fatty acids are monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids. These fats are healthy, and studies have linked them to beneficial effects on heart health. According to the Harvard School of Public Health, every 5% increase in polyunsaturated fats causes a 10% decrease in the risk of coronary heart disease. 

An easy way to do so is by replacing regular butter with grass-fed butter, which has more unsaturated fats than traditional butter. It, however, doesn't mean one has free reign to use grass-fed butter, as it still has a significant amount of saturated fats. To diversify the fat intake, the experts advise adding fat-rich sources like fatty fish, seeds, nuts and avocado.

Increased Vitamin K2 richness

Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin that exists in two forms, K1 & K2. The K1, or phylloquinone, is the predominant type in plant-based sources like leafy greens. K2 or menaquinone is less common, yet it is a critical vitamin K in animal foods, e.g., grass-fed butter. Vitamin K2 regulates calcium levels and is essential for healthy hearts and bones. It ensures stronger bones by signalling the bones to absorb more calcium.

Consequently, studies have found that people taking more vitamin K2 have a lower risk of bone fractures. By removing the excess calcium from the blood and depositing it into the bones, vitamin K2 reduces the risk of plagues and calcium deposits in the blood vessels. A study by Johanna M. Geleijnse and colleagues at Erasmus Medical Center Rotterdam, The Netherlands, noted a 50% decrease in the risk of heart diseases associated with death in people consuming 32 mcg of vitamin K2.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can grass-fed butter be used for frying? 

The grass-fed butter suits all kitchen functions, from pan-frying a steak and crafting a delicious sauce to sauteing vegetables. It adds texture and flavour to all of the dishes. 

Does grass-fed butter improve gut health? 

Grass-fed butter is a vibrant source of butyrate, a short-chain fatty acid that improves intestinal nobility, lowers inflammation and improves overall gut functions. It has anti-inflammatory properties and enhances the integrity of the intestinal barrier.

Does grass-fed butter heal the skin? 

The butter, particularly the grass-fed type, is rich in live enzymes and probiotics. Besides enhancing the gut health, it moisturises the skin and hair. 

Welzo has many butter-based skincare products like, My Trusty Sunflower Body Butter, Friendly Soap Cocoa Butter Facial Cleansing Bar, Friendly Soap Shea Butter Cleansing Bar and Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Solid. Visit the web pages to experience the epitome of skincare luxury. 

Is grass-fed beef beneficial? 

Grass-fed beef has a better nutrient profile than conventional meat. It has lower fat content, higher omega 3 and 6 fatty acids content, and higher antioxidants like vitamin E levels.

Does grass-fed butter increase cholesterol levels? 

Regardless of the type, butter is a source of cholesterol and saturated fats. People with hypercholesterolemia must avoid any form of butter, particularly in large quantities. 

Is 100% grass-fed butter healthy to eat? 

Grass-fed butter has several benefits over regular butter. It has a lower proportion of saturated fats and a higher proportion of unsaturated fats and is beneficial for health. 

Which is better? Ghee or grass-fed butter? 

Ghee is more advantageous for health than Grass-Fed butter. It lacks lactose and casein and is rich in fat-soluble vitamins like K2, E and A. It is an excellent choice for people sensitive to these ingredients. However, people who don't have such issues must enjoy the better nutritional profile of grass-fed butter.

Which is the healthiest butter?

Being free from processed ingredients and rich in healthy nutrients, grass-fed butter is the best type for regular use. People with hypercholesterolemia need to be cautious.

How do you identify the Grass-Fed butter? 

The grass-fed butter has a deep yellow colour, and the fake ones are white to cream coloured. Higher amounts of beta carotene (found in natural grass) in the grass-fed butter are responsible for this colour. 

How much Grass-Fed butter must be used daily? 

Consuming three tablespoons of grass-fed butter daily is recommended for a traditional diet. It includes the butter added to all foods.

Bottom-line  

Grass-fed butter has a better nutritional profile and offers various health benefits. Its low saturated and high unsaturated fat profile benefits heart health. Besides health, the choice of grass-fed butter supports sustainable farming practices. Thus, switching to grass-fed butter improves health and taste and is a sign of prioritising the planet's health.

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